For over 80 years, Curious George has been one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature. The mischievous little monkey, with his endless curiosity and loveable personality, has won the hearts of millions worldwide. But behind the fun-filled adventures lies a tragic and little-known story about the fate of Curious George’s creators. While Curious George himself is a fictional character, the true story of the authors, H.A. and Margret Rey, and how their journey shaped the legacy of the monkey, is both a harrowing and inspiring tale of survival, escape, and rebirth.
This article will explore the myth and speculation that has surrounded the supposed death of Curious George and clarify the real circumstances behind the rumors. Alongside this, we’ll dive into the remarkable life story of the Reys, the real-world influences that shaped their beloved character, and how tragedy almost ended George before he even made it into print.
Who Created Curious George?
Curious George was created by Hans Augusto Rey (H.A. Rey) and his wife, Margret Rey. Hans was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1898, and Margret was born in 1906 in the same city. Their paths first crossed in the vibrant streets of pre-World War I Germany, but it wasn’t until many years later that their shared love of storytelling and adventure would lead them to create one of the most iconic children’s book series of all time.
Hans, known for his artistic talents, had a background in drawing and illustration, while Margret had a keen eye for writing and editing. Together, they formed a powerful duo that blended whimsical art with charming stories.
But their lives were not always easy. The Reys were Jewish, and as the political situation in Europe became more perilous with the rise of Nazi power in Germany, they found themselves in a precarious position, living in France during the early years of World War II.
The Escape That Saved Curious George
In June 1940, as Nazi troops advanced towards Paris, the Reys made the daring decision to flee the city on bicycles. They knew they had to leave fast to avoid being captured by the invading forces, especially since they were Jewish and in grave danger. In their hastily packed belongings, they carried the early manuscripts and illustrations of what would become the “Curious George” book.
The Reys’ escape from Paris on bicycles is the stuff of legend. With little more than the clothes on their backs and their creative work in hand, they made the long and arduous journey south toward the Spanish border. From there, they managed to secure passage to Lisbon and eventually made their way to the United States, where they would start a new life.
Had they not made that perilous journey, it is possible that Curious George might never have come to life. The Reys’ personal escape from the clutches of the Nazis saved not only their lives but also the manuscript that would go on to enchant generations of children.
The Birth of Curious George in America
After arriving in the United States in 1940, the Reys settled in New York City. Here, they connected with Houghton Mifflin, the publisher that would release the first “Curious George” book in 1941. The book was an immediate hit, loved for its playful and curious protagonist who was always getting into trouble.
The character of George was inspired by Hans’s childhood memories of the animals he encountered while growing up near the Hagenbeck Zoo in Hamburg, as well as his and Margret’s fascination with monkeys. George’s curious nature, which often leads him into sticky situations, mirrors the sense of adventure and curiosity that had defined the Reys’ lives.
Seven books were eventually published in the original “Curious George” series, and the character has remained a staple in children’s literature, adapted into animated series, films, and toys. But while the story of Curious George thrived, darker rumors began to swirl around the fate of the famous little monkey.
The Myth of Curious George’s Death
So, how did Curious George die? The simple answer: he didn’t. Curious George, the fictional monkey, never met a tragic end in the books or on screen. The character continues to delight audiences to this day, with new adaptations and stories featuring his lively escapades.
However, the myth that Curious George “died” likely stems from the real-life tragedies that affected his creators, H.A. and Margret Rey. The couple survived one of the darkest periods in human history, fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe, and lived through the horrors and anxieties of war. Their story is one of survival, loss, and rebirth, and it is perhaps this dramatic backdrop that led to rumors of a darker ending for their famous creation.
Another possible source of confusion comes from misinterpretations and hoaxes surrounding Curious George in online communities. In certain internet forums and discussion threads, false stories about George meeting a tragic fate have circulated. Some of these tales suggest the monkey was involved in a catastrophic event, but these are entirely fictional and not based on any legitimate source.
The Real Tragedies Faced by the Reys
While Curious George’s story remained lighthearted, the Reys did not escape life’s hardships. They lived through the Holocaust, losing family and friends to the atrocities of the time. The emotional scars of displacement, fleeing their home, and watching their homeland descend into hatred left an indelible mark on the couple.
Hans Rey passed away in 1977, and Margret Rey continued to manage their legacy, ensuring that Curious George’s adventures would live on. Margret passed away in 1996, leaving behind a rich cultural legacy through the monkey that had captured hearts worldwide.
The Impact of Curious George on Modern Culture
The appeal of Curious George endures across generations. Part of the reason for the character’s continued success is the timeless nature of his curiosity. Children are naturally inquisitive, and George’s mischievous but well-meaning explorations mirror the way young minds learn about the world.
Beyond his literary impact, Curious George also holds a place in popular culture as a symbol of resilience. The Reys’ story—escaping war, starting fresh in a new country, and building something timeless—resonates deeply with readers who may not know the full extent of the authors’ hardships.
The Legacy of Curious George
In conclusion, Curious George did not meet a tragic or dramatic end. He lives on in the pages of books, in animated series, and in the hearts of fans. The stories about his supposed death are mere rumors or hoaxes, largely divorced from the true and incredible history of his creators.
H.A. and Margret Rey’s journey, from escaping Nazi persecution to establishing a literary empire in America, is the real story of survival and triumph. It’s a testament to human creativity and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. The fact that they carried George’s story with them through such perilous times adds even more weight to his enduring presence in children’s literature.
Curious George may have begun as a simple story about a curious little monkey, but today, he represents so much more. He’s a beacon of light for anyone facing dark times, a reminder that with a bit of curiosity and a lot of heart, you can overcome even the most difficult challenges.
The next time you pick up a Curious George book or see his playful face on TV, remember the incredible story behind his creation. While the monkey himself never died, his story was almost lost to history. Thanks to the bravery of H.A. and Margret Rey, Curious George continues to inspire curiosity and joy in readers of all ages, proving that no matter how dire the circumstances, creativity and love can carry us through.